Regular 642 or 642pro

[steveak]

I am going to buy a 642, would like opinions on whether to get the pro model with moon clip cuts or not.
Thanks, Steve

 

[OKFC05]

You can shoot either with or without the clips in the Pro, so you can change your mind later without buying another gun.

 

[Worshipbass12]

Someone with more knowledge than me will certainly come along with an educated answer but i carry a 642 & wish i could use moon clips

Sent from my SCH-S738C using Tapatalk

 

[Silvergoose]

Silly question, but why would you use moon clips, if the gun will function without them?

Educate me, please.

 

[b_san]

The real question is why wouldn't you, they're quicker and easier to use than speed loaders and way better than slowstrips.

 

[psjoe]

Hi-
I ponder this question a lot.
I purchased a 442 pro series. It was $20 more than the standard 442. It gave me the PVD coated stainless barrel and cylinder, moon clip capability, and no lock. I went with 442 due to it's supposed frame finish durability over the 642. But I wonder how may people would go for the pro over the standard. It seemed a better option to me but I wonder how well it will actually sell.

Yes you can fire it with or without moon clips. You can also load from loose rounds, speed loaders, and speed strips. So if you get the pro moon clip use is optional.

I like the moon clips for daily carry. Easy to load in the AM and easy to unload in the PM. I then carry a speed strip, or hks speed loader in a pocket for a reload.

Seems like a good modernization/improvement on the classic J.

 

[mbliss57]

The big benefit of the 640 pro are the Trijicon nights sights both front and rear. That makes it worth the package alone. I bought the Pro and sold the 640. It can shoot .357 magnums, and can use moon clips but the sights are what sold me on it. Plus I bought it used at a killer price. If you have the chance to get a Pro series 640 don't pass it up.

This is wearing Esmeralda's Andean Alder wood boot grips.

EDit: Now that I re-read your post.. I would still recommend the 640 Pro or not bother with the extra cost of the 642 pro. It just allows moon clips..is that worth the price difference? Not to me it's not.

 

[dlidster]

. . . I then carry a speed strip, or hks speed loader in a pocket for a reload . . . J.

Why not just five cartridges in another moon clip? You'll be able to reload faster and it's a smaller package in your pocket.

 

[psjoe]

Why not just five cartridges in another moon clip? You'll be able to reload faster and it's a smaller package in your pocket.

I will eventually, I need to get a moon clip holder first. It's is easy to snag the rounds in the clip and bend it. Plus this is my pocket last ditch gun for casual carry so reload is not high priority.

 

[mbliss57]

Now put the night sight package on the 642 pro .. add $150 to the price tag and watch them try to keep up with the orders..
I prefer the speed loader in my pocket to a moon clip with sharp edges. AS for unloading...I keep all my CCWs loaded. In the safe but loaded. It saves time I don't have to wonder which one has cartridges or not. The same with my autoloaders. They stay on one particular shelf.. so I don't have to think in a tense situation....I guess this is called thread drift...
If it's only an extra $20 go the the moon clip capability. If more...think hard about it.

 

[stmry]

The real question is why wouldn't you, they're quicker and easier to use than speed loaders and way better than slowstrips.

They may in fact be slower if you factor in the obnoxious chore of loading and stripping the moon clips. Something to consider.

 

[b_san]

They may in fact be slower if you factor in the obnoxious chore of loading and stripping the moon clips. Something to consider.

Yeah that's true they do take a bit longer to load/unload the shells than speed loaders or strips but I haven't found it to be too much of an inconvenience and if you reload (I don't) you don't have to look for your brass. I just load a bunch before I go to the range and if I decide to shoot more than I have loaded I can either reload some clips or hand load without the clips. Just my personal preference, I really like moon clips

 

[mbliss57]

I have to agree if I am range shooting moon clips are great. Loaded in the comfort of your home. Bring as many has you want/have. In that situation they really are nice. Speed loaders do the same but take up more room. And the cost a lot more.

 

[shipwreck2]

I am going to buy a 642, would like opinions on whether to get the pro model with moon clip cuts or not.
Thanks, Steve

For the $30 difference I would get the pro.

 

[overthehills]

I am a J frame fanatic (for so many reasons) and deliberately bought a 642 Pro (moon clip model) to speed up performance in our local IDPA matches. Yep, that put me in ESR class but as they are my 24/7 carry choice, why not see what you CAN hit? Anyways, IF I were allowed 1 it would be the Pro. That said, be aware, not all cartridges will fit the pricey EDM moon clips from S&W. Tom at T-K Custom makes two thicknesses. The thin one fits all BUT is a bit soft when stuffed into a pocket. The stock thickness holds it's shape better. They all work fine when carried in a carrier. Be forewarned, the moon clips foe these are pricey. When all loaded up, the Pro can follow pretty close behind the big dogs in competition. (most scenarios that ARE revolver friendly are based on 6 round capacity). Still, if you plan to carry it, one owes to himself to see how well he can hit. Good Luck & safe shooting - Dave